Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (left) will sit because of a sprained right knee and backup QB Kirk Cousins (right) will make his first career start Sunday in Cleveland. TOM GANNAM, AP

BY THE NUMBERS

IN A CLASS BY ITSELF

How good is the quarterback class of 2012? Russell Wilson's 20 touchdown passes already rank among the five best totals for a rookie, and Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck are just two TDs away from joining him. Here are the rookie QBs with the most touchdown passes in NFL history:

Player, team Year TDs

Peyton Manning, Indianapolis

1998

26

Charlie Conerly, N.Y. Giants

1948

22

Cam Newton, Carolina

2011

21

Russell Wilson, Seattle

2012

20

Andy Dalton, Cincinnati

2011

20

Dan Marino, Miami 1983 20

*Through 13 games

THREE AND OUT

Three things to watch for in today's games:

1. Sunday Fun Day

It's being called "Showdown Sunday" in some parts, "Statement Sunday" in others. Regardless of the label, it should be a sight to behold: Seven games – half the Sunday slate – match opponents with .500-or-better records. They include potential playoff previews (Giants-Falcons), bitter rivalries (Packers-Bears), classic matchups (Steelers-Cowboys) and Super Bowl possibilities (49ers-Patriots). The NFL couldn't have scripted it any better.

2. OK Without RG3?

Can the Redskins extend their winning streak without mercurial rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III? We’ll find out this week in Cleveland, where Kirk Cousins – also a rookie – steps in for the injured RG3. Cousins did splendid relief work last week, leading Washington to a comeback victory over Baltimore. The QB switch will change the way the Redskins operate. Cousins looks promising, but he’s no RG3 when it comes to running the ball.

3. Clay's Comeback

It appears the Packers will get one of their wounded warriors back as former USC standout Clay Matthews is expected to return after missing four games because of a hamstring injury. That has to generate feelings of envy among the banged-up Bears, who still are missing LB Brian Urlacher and CB Tim Jennings, among others. In the teams' first meeting, in Week 2, Matthews had seven tackles, 3.5 sacks and a pass defensed. He's as good as any edge rusher in the league when healthy.

THURSDAY'S RESULT

CINCINNATI 34, PHILADELPHIA 13: The Bengals forced five turnovers, including three on consecutive possessions, to improve their playoff positioning.

Injury impact: Bradshaw's absence gives David Wilson a chance to follow up on his Week 14 breakout. White didn't practice all week. He's a game-time decision.

Fantasy tip: After an injury-fueled midseason slump, Hakeem Nicks has re-emerged as a fantasy starter. Nicks has gained at least 67 yards and/or scored a TD in three of his past four games.

Lev's look: It's time for the Falcons to fight back. The Giants embarrassed them in the playoffs last season. The Panthers thumped them last week. If they're truly legit, the Falcons will rise to this challenge.

Injury impact: The big news is the likely return of Amendola, who fully participated in practice Friday. Amendola leads the Rams in catches (51) despite having played in only eight games.

Fantasy tip: Every point matters in the fantasy playoffs, so kickers matter. Rookies Blair Walsh (Vikings) and Greg Zuerlein (Rams) are two of the best long-distance kickers in the game. They're also playing in a dome.

Injury impact: With Jennings out, fourth-stringer Montell Owens will get another shot. He performed well vs. the Jets (14-91-1). Bess' absence makes Miami's thin WR corps even thinner.

Fantasy tip: Jaguars WR Cecil Shorts (concussion) is set to return after missing last week. Before getting hurt, Shorts had scored a touchdown in four consecutive games, averaging 92 yards over that span.

Lev's look: The Jaguars did not reward my faith in them last week, but I'm going there again – to cover, but not win. The Dolphins are too challenged offensively to blow anybody out.

Injury impact: The Packers haven't missed Nelson much. Melton's likely absence adds to the Bears' injuries woes on defense. He has been the sixth-best DT in the league this year, per Pro Football Focus.

Lev's look: On paper, the Packers should win. But I like the Bears, even in their shorthanded condition, to pull the upset. They're by far the more desperate team, having lost 4 of 5 and their lead in the NFC North.

Injury impact: Justice is one of two Colts starting offensive linemen who won't play. Justice happens to play on the side where J.J. Watt most often lines up.

Fantasy tip: For all the praise he has received and earned, Colts rookie QB Andrew Luck is tied for the league with 18 interceptions. That, plus Indy's OL woes, makes Houston's defense an attractive option this week.

Lev's look: The Colts were lucky to win the past two weeks vs. inferior opponents. The Texans are a superior one and should be plenty motivated coming off an embarrassing loss.

Injury impact: Aside from his 11 penalties, Fairley has been among the best defensive tackles in the league this year. Campbell returned last week and had eight tackles.

Fantasy tip: Detroit ranks 25th in scoring defense, but whatever the Lions have done so far is irrelevant. They face Ryan Lindley, which means you should start them if someone else in your league isn't already.

Lev's look: How bad do you have to be to be a six-point underdog at home against a 4-9 team? The Cards are that bad. Or at least their QB situation is.

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